Program Overview

Overview of the Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate

The Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate is a nationally recognized program offered by Washington State University. It is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in building science and the opportunity to apply that knowledge in the design process. The program is offered asynchronously online through WSU Global Campus and is a short-term, affordable option for students to gain in-demand learning outcomes.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate includes the following courses:

• Fundamentals of Building Science Online Module
• ME 579 Advanced Topics (Environmental Controls focus) - 3 credits
• SDC 552 Energy Modeling II - 3 credits
• SDC 541 Building Energy Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems - 3 credits
• ARCH 521 Envelope Assemblies - 3 credits The total credits required for the certificate are 12.

Student Testimonials

Students who have completed the Energy Conscious Construction courses have provided positive testimonials about their experiences. They have found the courses to be essential in providing a foundational understanding of building sciences and have utilized the skills they learned in their non-ECC courses and in the professional field.

Admission Requirements

The Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate is open to all VCEA students with junior standing. Students can either complete all courses or complete selected courses to fulfill elective requirements associated with their primary plan of study.

Recognition

The Energy Conscious Construction Undergraduate Certificate Program and Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate Program have earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation. This designation recognizes the programs’ commitment to imbuing students with a greater understanding of the enduring impacts their design choices have on the built and natural environment.

Funding Sponsor

The Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Building Technologies Office (BTO) Award Number DE-EE.

Supportive Quotes

Industry professionals have provided supportive quotes about the Energy Conscious Construction Programs, highlighting the importance of these programs in preparing students to deliver high-performing buildings and addressing climate change.

Energy Modeling & Simulation

The Energy Conscious Construction Graduate Certificate Program includes courses that focus on energy modeling and simulation, allowing students to analyze design performance prior to construction.

Performance Benchmarks

The program also includes courses that focus on performance benchmarks, enabling students to meet and exceed state energy code requirements.

Environmental Control Systems

Students in the program learn about environmental control systems and how to integrate energy-efficient ECS into designs.

Assemblies & Structural Systems

The program includes courses that focus on assemblies and structural systems, allowing students to integrate energy-efficient assemblies into designs.